Original Imperial German WWI Prussian EM/NCO Infantry M1915 Pickelhaube Spiked Helmet

Original Item: Only One Available. A rough example of an M-1915 Imperial Prussian Line Infantry enlisted man's Mannschaften (other ranks or EM / NCO) pickelhaube in fair condition. The M1915 was the last model of Pickelhaube issued prior to the move to steel helmets. In accordance with the 1915 regulations, these helmets would no longer use brass, silver, or Tombak as the M1895 did. All issued Pickelhaube would now use gray oxidized steel fittings for all regiments. As with previous versions, the body was constructed from boiled leather, which was shaped and lacquered black.

This helmet features an oxide plated steel frontplate (wappen), and the crown of this leather helmet displays a vented enlisted spike mounted on a steel baseplate, which not removable nor was it made to be removed. This may be an M1895 spike and base which was added to this example. There is also a small adjustable vent on the spine that supports the rear skirt, only seen on the enlisted helmets, which is unable to be moved due to extremely heavy oxidation. The front wappen features a crowned Prussian state eagle clutching a scepter and orb in its claws, over the King's motto, MIT GOTT FÜR KOENIG UND VATERLAND (With God for King and Country, i.e. Prussia). The wappen is attached via the original leather wedges, and has always been attached to this helmet. 

The helmet is missing both cockades and the chinstrap. The helmet shell itself has heavy wear to the boiled leather at the back. The original liner is present but is in heavily worn and dry-rotted condition. The liner is cracked and slightly torn as shown. There are no markings on the interior that we can see.

The exterior of the helmet shell is in overall good shape, but there is heavy loss of the top material on the back as shown, but they just serve to add to the lovely patina of age. The front and rear visors are in good shape, but the trim on the front visor is a bit disconnected from leather shrinkage. 

A nice representative example, ready for further research and display.